Rainebrooke Blog (Laptop Bag Explorer) » Laptop Security http://www.rainebrooke.com/blog Everything Pink... Pink Laptop Bags, Cases, Backpacks, Totes, Tech Accessories & Gadgets, Laptops and other News. Mon, 26 Jul 2010 19:41:30 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0 PC Guardian’s keyed cable locks in Colors! http://www.rainebrooke.com/blog/2008/02/pc-guardian%e2%80%99s-keyed-cable-locks-in-colors/ http://www.rainebrooke.com/blog/2008/02/pc-guardian%e2%80%99s-keyed-cable-locks-in-colors/#comments Mon, 04 Feb 2008 19:13:39 +0000 Steve http://www.rainebrooke.com/blog/?p=93 As anyone who visits my blog knows, I love colorful products and especially colorful products that have anything to do with laptops. So when I came across the colorful cable locks from PC Guardian I just had to mention them. Nothing new about the lock or cable itself, they’re just now available in 5 colors (classic black, simple white, nirvana blue, electric green and crimson red). I think I’d have to go with the blue or red. PC Guardian is marketing these to college students, but I think they need to go further than this college market… there are plenty of us who are out of college and want products like this. This lock retails for around $39 and can be found at several retailers; see the PC Guardian site for a complete list. ~ Comment on this product and let us know what you think.

You can also read my other laptop security blogs here.

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]]> http://www.rainebrooke.com/blog/2008/02/pc-guardian%e2%80%99s-keyed-cable-locks-in-colors/feed/ 0 Aluminum Laptop Armor from Matias http://www.rainebrooke.com/blog/2007/05/aluminum-laptop-armor-from-matias/ http://www.rainebrooke.com/blog/2007/05/aluminum-laptop-armor-from-matias/#comments Wed, 30 May 2007 17:53:32 +0000 Steve http://www.rainebrooke.com/blog/?p=72 The white aluminum Laptop Armor from Matias is a nice change from the typical metallic finish of most hard cases.  The Laptop Armor has a rigid aluminum outer shell with a padded foam interior. The interior has foam spacers so it can be adjusted to fit laptops from 12” to 15”.  The foam spacers are Velcro backed so they stick to each other. Stack the number of spacers you need and fasten down your laptop with the central strap and your laptop will be safe from those unexpected drops.  Matias tested the case from 10 feet off a 2nd floor ledge dropping it onto concrete with both the laptop and case surviving.  The interior of the Laptop Armor has a file folder organizer, one large pocket for power cables, a small pocket for a mouse or iPod and a tall pocket for pens. A detachable padded shoulder strap is also included. This white model is currently available for 12”to 15” laptops and is priced at $149.95.  Matias also offers black and metallic models for both 12” to 15” and 14” to 17” laptops.  ~ Comment on this product. Do you like it or dislike it? How do you think it could be improved? What colors would you like to see it in?


]]> http://www.rainebrooke.com/blog/2007/05/aluminum-laptop-armor-from-matias/feed/ 0 Exploring around 5/1/07: Airport security http://www.rainebrooke.com/blog/2007/05/exploring-around-5107-airport-security/ http://www.rainebrooke.com/blog/2007/05/exploring-around-5107-airport-security/#comments Tue, 01 May 2007 18:47:22 +0000 Steve http://www.rainebrooke.com/blog/?p=69 I love articles on and people who write about (and have) common sense.  Exploring around this morning I came across Jim’s “Evolving Web” article on “How to get through airport security quickly”.  It sure would be nice if everyone followed these common sense tips for airport security. There’s nothing more frustrating to me than standing in the security line and someone in front of me gets to the front of the line and acts like they forgot where they are.  They end up digging for keys, cell phone and their liquid/gel bag which slows everything down.  If everyone would get prepared before they get to the front of the line, the line would move a lot faster.
I especially like the paragraph on making your laptop accessible.  Our Metro Lite and Slim Line laptop bags were designed just for this.  Quick and easy access to your laptop :-)
Thanks for the great article Jim.


]]> http://www.rainebrooke.com/blog/2007/05/exploring-around-5107-airport-security/feed/ 2 Pelican 1495 computer case http://www.rainebrooke.com/blog/2007/01/pelican-1495-computer-case/ http://www.rainebrooke.com/blog/2007/01/pelican-1495-computer-case/#comments Mon, 22 Jan 2007 19:32:54 +0000 Steve http://www.rainebrooke.com/blog/?p=58 Do you work in construction, check your laptop with your other luggage when traveling or are you just a little clumsy? Then the Pelican 1495 computer case may be for you.  The Pelican case is watertight, dust proof, crush proof, and corrosion proof. It’s molded from high impact copolymer resin which helps protect your laptop from just about any type of abuse you can throw at it.  The case includes 3 dial combination lock, stainless steel padlock protectors, fold down over molded handle, interior foam padding and options include keyed locking latches, atmospheric purge valve, o-ring seal, padded fold down handle and personalized nameplate. This model fits most laptops with screen sizes up to 17” and is available at the Pelican web site for $130.  ~ Comment on this bag. Do you like it or dislike it? How do you think it could be improved? What colors would you like to see it in?


]]> http://www.rainebrooke.com/blog/2007/01/pelican-1495-computer-case/feed/ 0 Tips for Preventing Laptop Theft – Anti-Theft PC Card (Detects Motion) (Tip #7) http://www.rainebrooke.com/blog/2006/12/tips-for-preventing-laptop-theft-%e2%80%93-anti-theft-pc-card-detects-motion-tip-7/ http://www.rainebrooke.com/blog/2006/12/tips-for-preventing-laptop-theft-%e2%80%93-anti-theft-pc-card-detects-motion-tip-7/#comments Wed, 13 Dec 2006 19:21:24 +0000 Steve http://www.rainebrooke.com/blog/?p=55 If you’re in a busy environment, get up and down from a desk or table a lot, or walk a short distance away while leaving your laptop sitting on your desk, then you might consider an anti-theft PC card like the one by Caveo. These PC cards provide great security without sacrificing convenience. They operate by detecting motion and then analyze the motion to determine whether a threat exists. Since the card is independent of the operating system it operates whether the laptop is on or off. If the armed system is moved beyond the perimeter specified by the owner the PC card will get set off and do several things.

  1. Prevent access to the operating system
  2. Secure passwords and encryption keys
  3. Sound an audible alarm (optional).

If a stolen computer is recovered, a strong master code is required to regain access.



]]> http://www.rainebrooke.com/blog/2006/12/tips-for-preventing-laptop-theft-%e2%80%93-anti-theft-pc-card-detects-motion-tip-7/feed/ 0 Tips for Preventing Laptop Theft – Tracking Software (Tip #6) http://www.rainebrooke.com/blog/2006/12/tips-for-preventing-laptop-theft-%e2%80%93-tracking-software-tip-6/ http://www.rainebrooke.com/blog/2006/12/tips-for-preventing-laptop-theft-%e2%80%93-tracking-software-tip-6/#comments Tue, 05 Dec 2006 15:04:05 +0000 Steve http://www.rainebrooke.com/blog/?p=54 While this tip is more about the recovery of a stolen laptop, I still thought it was appropriate to include it in this series of tips on preventing laptop theft. Tracking software is a great alternative for those who want to take an extra step in the potential recovery of a stolen laptop.  Tracking software such as the software offered by XTool is called the XTool® Computer Tracker.  This software based transmitter sends a signal to the XTool control center via telephone or Internet connection, allowing their recovery team, with the help of local authorities, ISP and telephone companies, to track its location when reported lost or stolen. Each signal received by the control center provides enough information to track the location of the computer in the event of loss or theft.  The software forces your computer to send a signal to the control center each time it connects to a phone line or the Internet and every time the user reboots the computer, logs the computer off and back on and/or when the IP changes.  From the control center you can change your settings and report the computer stolen.  In the event your computer is stolen, you can have files or a group of files deleted the next time the computer sends a signal to the control center.  This type of service is usually billed on a monthly fee.  Other tracking services are provided by LoJackforLaptops, and Trackion.


]]> http://www.rainebrooke.com/blog/2006/12/tips-for-preventing-laptop-theft-%e2%80%93-tracking-software-tip-6/feed/ 0 Tips for Preventing Laptop Theft – Laptop Safes (Tip #5) http://www.rainebrooke.com/blog/2006/11/tips-for-preventing-laptop-theft-%e2%80%93-laptop-safes-tip-5/ http://www.rainebrooke.com/blog/2006/11/tips-for-preventing-laptop-theft-%e2%80%93-laptop-safes-tip-5/#comments Thu, 30 Nov 2006 22:09:56 +0000 Steve http://www.rainebrooke.com/blog/?p=53 Laptop safes are a great way of protecting your laptop from being stolen.  There are several types of laptop safes to choose from depending on your needs.  If you’re looking for a simple safe to keep in your home or office, you might consider one of the fireproof laptop safes shown here.  If you travel a lot, take a look at the Ncase portable safe.  The aluminum case Ncase has combination locks and a cable that can be locked to a secure object.  This allows you to keep your laptop out of sight while also keeping it locked down with a cable.  If you prefer a more open type of safe, check out the Laptop Security Stand by AnchorPad Security.  This steel stand adheres to a desk or workstation with AnchorPads peel and stick technology. The peel and stick anchors provide 20K pounds of anchoring strength which can later be removed without damaging the attaching surface. Your laptop then slides and locks into the laptop stand.  Another option for those who also need a little storage room is to get a fireproof filing cabinet. With a fireproof file cabinet you can keep your laptop and important papers safe from thieves and a fire.  You can view an assortment of fireproof filing cabinets by going here. 


]]> http://www.rainebrooke.com/blog/2006/11/tips-for-preventing-laptop-theft-%e2%80%93-laptop-safes-tip-5/feed/ 0 Tips for Preventing Laptop Theft – Cable Locks (Tip #4) http://www.rainebrooke.com/blog/2006/11/tips-for-preventing-laptop-theft-%e2%80%93-cable-locks-tip-1-of-7/ http://www.rainebrooke.com/blog/2006/11/tips-for-preventing-laptop-theft-%e2%80%93-cable-locks-tip-1-of-7/#comments Mon, 20 Nov 2006 17:13:10 +0000 Steve http://www.rainebrooke.com/blog/?p=50 A cable lock is one of the cheapest deterrents against laptop theft.  Cable locks attach to the laptop chassis by using the Universal Security Slot (USS) which is available on most laptops.  If your laptop doesn’t have a USS then look for a cable lock that comes with an adhesive pad to attach to the laptop.  The other end of the cable is attached to an object of your choice.  Be sure to choose a strong, unbreakable and immovable object.  Some cable locks even come with an audible alarm. While cable locks will not stop a determined thief, they will deter a casual thief who might be trying to catch you looking the other way. You can find an assortment of cable locks by going here.


]]> http://www.rainebrooke.com/blog/2006/11/tips-for-preventing-laptop-theft-%e2%80%93-cable-locks-tip-1-of-7/feed/ 0 Tips for Preventing Laptop Theft – Engrave / Tag Your Laptop (Tip #3) http://www.rainebrooke.com/blog/2006/11/tips-for-preventing-laptop-theft-%e2%80%93-engrave-tag-your-laptop-tip-3-of-7/ http://www.rainebrooke.com/blog/2006/11/tips-for-preventing-laptop-theft-%e2%80%93-engrave-tag-your-laptop-tip-3-of-7/#comments Tue, 14 Nov 2006 16:10:36 +0000 Steve http://www.rainebrooke.com/blog/?p=49 Engraving and marking your laptop case with your name, address and phone number will increase the chance your laptop will be returned if you mistakenly leave it behind and it’s picked up by an honest person.  An even better alternative to engraving is metal tamper resistant asset tags.  Some tags such as these simply show the property owner name and/or logo and include information like company name, employee name, code, serial number, bar code, etc.  These tags are extremely difficult to remove once they have been adhered to the laptop.  Other asset tags such as the STOP Plates use a metal tamper proof plate along with an indelible tattoo. The security plate bears a clear warning that the property is monitored and traceable by the police.  The plate is affixed with cyanoacrylate adhesive so strong that removal of the plate physically alters the surface of the laptop.  During the do-it-yourself installation of the plate, a permanent tattoo is chemically etched into your laptop, beneath the plate. If someone succeeds in removing the plate (special tools are required), the indelible marking is exposed and it makes the laptop nearly impossible to resell.


]]> http://www.rainebrooke.com/blog/2006/11/tips-for-preventing-laptop-theft-%e2%80%93-engrave-tag-your-laptop-tip-3-of-7/feed/ 0 Tips for Preventing Laptop Theft – Registering Your Laptop (Tip #2) http://www.rainebrooke.com/blog/2006/11/tips-for-preventing-laptop-theft-%e2%80%93-registering-your-laptop-tip-2-of-7/ http://www.rainebrooke.com/blog/2006/11/tips-for-preventing-laptop-theft-%e2%80%93-registering-your-laptop-tip-2-of-7/#comments Mon, 06 Nov 2006 17:25:16 +0000 Steve http://www.rainebrooke.com/blog/?p=47 Registering your laptop with the manufacturer is recommended for several reasons.  First, if a thief tries to send in a stolen laptop for repair, the manufacturer can flag it as stolen when the names don’t match up.  Second, if your laptop is registered you can be notified of updates along with any type of recalls that may occur. Along with registering your laptop with the manufacturer, if you’re attending a college or university, check with the police on campus.  Most campus police have laptop registration programs in place to help prevent laptop theft.

Feel Free to comment with your suggestions and additions.

Previous and future tips can be found in Laptop Security.



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